JP2010531177A - toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush. In this case, the present invention provides, on the other hand, a toothbrush comprising a coupling device for coupling an attachment component, in particular an attachment brush, and a drive system component that can be driven by a drive motor, in particular a drive shaft for driving the attachment component. Regarding the handle. On the other hand, the present invention relates to such an attachment part which can form an attachment brush which can be mounted, in particular, on the neck of a toothbrush handle. The toothbrush handle has releasable restraining means for restraining, blocking and / or braking the movement of the drive train components. Advantageously, this restraining means is released at the same time as the attachment brush is attached, and becomes constrained when the attachment brush is removed. When the drive system parts are restrained, the drive motor is automatically turned off.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush. In this case, the present invention provides, on the other hand, a toothbrush comprising a coupling device for coupling an attachment part, in particular an attachment brush, and a drive system part that can be driven by a drive motor, in particular a drive shaft for driving the attachment part. Regarding the handle. On the other hand, the invention relates in particular to such an attachment part which can form an attachment brush which can be mounted on the handle neck of a toothbrush.

  From EP 0 500 537 B1, the attachment brush is connected on the one hand to the shaft-shaped handle neck of the toothbrush handle protruding to the front and on the other hand connected to the drive shaft protruding therefrom Is well known. In this case, since the handle neck is formed like a cylindrical frustoconical shape, the substantially tubular attachment connecting part can be accurately mounted on the handle neck in a tightened state.

  In the case of such an attachable attachment brush, the vibration of the toothbrush motor and the tooth brushing force may cause the attachment part to be loosely fixed in some cases, thereby adversely affecting the transmission of the drive motion. Wear increases. Also, if it slides down completely, there is a risk of injury due to the drive shaft protruding further forward. In order to prevent this, hitherto, the fit between the handle neck and the attachment brush has been strongly set so that the attachment brush cannot be attached or removed unless a fairly strong force is applied. On the other hand, when using connection means by engagement between the attachment brush and the toothbrush handle, the necessary tolerances for simplifying the engagement often result in a loose connection and the fitting accuracy of the connection. An adverse effect occurs. Furthermore, once the connection between the attachment brush and the toothbrush handle is loosened, there are wear problems and risk of injury in the drive train as described above.

  On the other hand, in the case of this type of electric toothbrush, there may be a problem that the switch is turned on unnecessarily. In particular, when a baggage is carried in a travel bag loaded with luggage, pressure may be applied to the switch by the surrounding baggage and the motor may be switched on. In this connection, for example, lockable switch buttons are known which can be fixed in the off position using a slidable lock bar. However, this lock bar is also removed by the pressure in the bag and may be switched on. This causes the battery to discharge, but if the brush head or attachment brush is pulled out, the protruding shaft may rub against the load and damage the brush or the surrounding load. .

EP 0 500 537 B1

  In view of this, the present invention provides an improved toothbrush, an improved toothbrush handle and / or an improved attachment part for such a toothbrush handle, avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art and in an advantageous manner. Based on the challenge of developing the prior art. The connection between the attachment part and the toothbrush handle must be easy and with little force to operate, this connection holds the attachment part firmly on the toothbrush handle and the toothbrush drive system starts unnecessarily. It is desirable to prevent this and to eliminate the risk of injury resulting from the drive system of the toothbrush handle.

  According to the present invention, the aforementioned problems are solved by a toothbrush handle according to claim 1, such a toothbrush handle attachment part according to claim 29 and a toothbrush according to claim 49. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

  That is, by making it possible to block or restrain the drive system parts, especially the drive shaft of the toothbrush handle, dangerous movement of the drive system may not occur even if the drive motor switch is turned on unnecessarily. Proposed. The toothbrush handle has releasable restraining means for restraining, blocking and / or braking the movement of the drive train components.

  In this case, it is advantageous that this restraining means is configured to operate upon attachment of the attachment part on the toothbrush handle or removal from the handle, in particular when the attachment brush is attached. It is formed so as to be in a restrained state when removed.

  At this time, it is advantageous that the restraining means can interact with the electronic switch-off of the drive motor. In particular, it can be equipped with a preferably electronic switch-off device which turns off the drive motor when the drive shaft is constrained. As soon as the electronic switch-off device detects that the toothbrush drive shaft cannot move freely, the drive motor is turned off and the motor and in particular the battery are also protected. In this case, detection of the restraint state of the drive shaft can be basically performed by various methods. For example, a position sensor that detects the position of the restraint component could be equipped. When this part is in the restrained position, the drive motor is switched off. In an advantageous embodiment, the motor can be switched off based on the power consumption of the motor. In particular, the switch-off device has detection means for detecting a motor current, and can switch off the drive motor when the motor current exceeds a specified motor current level. This occurs when the drive shaft is blocked or constrained. In order to prevent the switch from turning off unnecessarily at a short peak current or peak voltage, the switch-off device has exceeded the specified limit value for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds or more). In some cases, the motor can be configured to be switched off for the first time.

  This mechanical restraint of the drive shaft of the toothbrush handle in combination with the electronic switch-off of the drive motor when the attachment part is pulled out, along with battery protection, makes traveling extremely safe Sex can be secured. In order to prevent the toothbrush handle from being turned on unnecessarily, it is only necessary to pull out the attachment part from the toothbrush handle. Even if the toothbrush handle is placed in the bag, the toothbrush battery will not unnecessarily discharge.

  In order to automatically actuate the restraining means when attaching and detaching the attachment part, a control device for controlling the restraining position of the restraining means according to the position of the connecting device is incorporated in the restraining means, In this case, the control device is formed so that the restraining means is released when the attachment part is connected, and the restraining means is in the restraining position when the attachment part is removed. This can prevent the toothbrush drive from moving if the attachment part is not correctly attached to the handle, and in particular can prevent the risk of injury caused by the rotating drive shaft. In this case, the restraining means can be formed in various ways, and it can be considered that the restraining means is basically formed by a control technique or a software technique. Alternatively or additionally, the restraining means can be formed mechanically. In this case, it is advantageous that the restraining means can have an engaging surface attached to the restraining part, and if the restraining part is not in the locked position, this engaging surface is the drive of the handle. Engages with the shaft and is pressed in particular towards the drive shaft. In particular, the restraining means may have a flat and movable flat part attached to the drive shaft and the handle side restraining part. In order to perform better holding at the restraining position, the flat portion is supplementarily formed with irregularities, and can be formed, for example, in a slightly V shape and supplementarily with a light bulge. When the flat part of the restraining part is pushed towards the corresponding flat part of the drive shaft, the drive shaft cannot rotate. It is advantageous that the flat part is arranged on the outer surface side. Depending on the connection state, the control device for actuating the restraining means can basically be implemented in various ways.

  Advantageously, a constraining part comprising at least one engagement part, which can be engaged with the drive shaft for locking, restraining or braking by shape and / or friction, is attached to the handle neck of the handle. That is. This constraining part is advantageously movable in the longitudinal direction of the handle. The restraining part is pushed axially away from the toothbrush handle, preferably by a spring element, so that when the attachment part is not attached, the restraining part is in a fixed position relative to the handle, Can attach attachment parts smoothly and the drive shaft is blocked or constrained. The handle neck is preferably formed integrally with the handle housing.

  Advantageously, the restraining means of the handle neck works using a longitudinal axial movement of the handle and a lateral movement relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle, the axial movement being the longitudinal direction of the handle being Acting on the restraining means, lateral movement acts on the lock. Advantageously, the toothbrush handle has a constraining part that is movable in an axial direction that is the longitudinal direction of the handle, the axial movement of the constraining part being constrained transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle. This restraining part is provided and / or formed so as to cause a lateral movement of the engaging part of the means.

  The axial actuating action is then advantageously caused by the attachment part when the attachment part is attached to or removed from the handle neck. That is, attachment or removal of the attachment component can be used to cause a lateral locking operation or unlocking operation of the handle side restraining means. According to another aspect, this attachment part is, in this case, used to push back the restraint part on the handle side in the axial direction when the connection part of the attachment part connectable with the handle is attached to the handle neck. It is characterized by having a butt surface. In this case, when the attachment part and the toothbrush handle are overlapped with each other with respect to the shape and position, the abutment surface of the attachment part captures the restraint part of the toothbrush handle and the grip part of the toothbrush handle. It is advantageously adapted to the restraining part on the handle side so that it slides back in the axial direction.

  In order to cause a lateral movement of the engaging part of the restraining means acting on the lock, a spread mechanism is preferably provided between the handle neck and the toothbrush handle, whereby the restraining part moves axially. In some cases, the engaging part moves away from the grip part and is pushed or pulled inward in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle. If advantageous, the restraining part itself can now be provided directly on the restraining part because it is spread out by the spread mechanism during the relevant axial movement. Preferably, it can be integrally formed with the constraining part.

  In this case, the above-described spread mechanism can be basically variously formed. For example, lateral movement can be caused by a pair of inclined surfaces. For example, when the constraining part hits on an inclined surface provided on the handle neck and slides back, the constraining part is separated from the grip portion and pushed inside.

  This spread mechanism is preferably formed as a forcing guide that prevents lateral movement of the constraining part without axial movement of the constraining part and / or vice versa. Therefore, this spread mechanism is formed so that not only the movement of the constraining part to the outside in the corresponding axial movement but also the movement to the inside in the reverse axial movement is surely performed.

  The restraining part can be provided on the handle neck by means of a rod guide having at least one rod, which in an advantageous embodiment is attached to the handle neck in such a way that one end of the rod is pivotable. Is attached to the constraining part so as to be pivotable. In this case, the pivot axis is advantageously oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle.

  Basically, it is sufficient to connect only one of the rods in the area of the engagement part in order for the restraining part to spread properly within the area of the engagement part. In this case, if the constraining part in the part away from the engaging part can be guided by being shifted in the longitudinal direction at the handle neck, a double crank configuration as a whole will occur. However, preferably, the restraining part is connected to the handle neck by a parallelogram rod guide with at least two rods oriented substantially parallel to each other, so that the restraining part is set by the rod It is possible to move in parallel with substantially no rotating components on the motion trajectory. In this case, the parallelogram rod guide is adapted to form a laterally moving component transverse to the restraining part when it moves axially in the longitudinal direction of the handle.

  As an alternative to such a swivel rod guide, the restraint component can be expanded using a slide guide. In this case, it is advantageous that the constraining part is forcibly guided by the slide guide so that the axial movement of the constraining part is forced into a radial movement. In this case, the forcible guide is advantageously in both directions. That is, when the restraint part moves in one direction, the restraint part is pushed to the outside, and when it moves in the opposite direction, it is pushed to the inside.

  Here, the slide guide can be formed, for example, in the form of a groove guide, preferably a swallow-shaped groove guide, which advantageously has a guide that slides the constraining part to the opposite side. It is to be.

  The slide guide is advantageously formed as a link guide, the link guide comprising one link guide and at least one guide projection that is attached to the handle neck and engages in a restraining part. It is preferable to have it in a restraint part. In this case, the constraining part forms a so-called sliding block, and this sliding block can spread along a predetermined path via the link guide. As an alternative or additional method, a guide link can be provided on the handle neck, and the guide projection of the restraining part engages in this guide link.

  The strength and height of the spread movement can in this case be controlled by the slope of the link guide. It is advantageous here that the link guide includes a plurality of guide portions with different slopes, so that various spread movements are performed depending on the axial position of the restraint part. In particular, the link guide has a slightly sloped start and end portion parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handle, or advantageously, the start and end changes substantially without slope. A guide central portion having a large slope is provided between the start portion and the end portion. This allows the constraining parts to be held in their respective positions in the terminal part with virtually no axial force due to the guide part having only a slight inclination or no inclination at the end part. become. On the other hand, the necessary spread movement can be performed by the guide central portion having a steep inclination. When this spread movement is finished, the link guide moves onto a so-called back plate and is held in the respective position by this back plate. If necessary, the start and end portions are tilted slightly in the opposite direction with respect to the central portion, so that the constraining part is slightly squeezed when entering the end position, ensuring that the constraining part is Stays at the end position.

  As an alternative to the constraining part that can move in the slide guide, it is also possible to equip a constraining part provided in a pivotable manner. Connect the component. In particular, the constraining part can be formed as a cam that is pivotably provided, this cam being preferably pivotable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. Is provided. In doing so, the cam rotates into its constrained position and engages the drive shaft, and rotates in the opposite direction to release the drive shaft.

  Advantageously, the restraining means simultaneously form a coupling device for locking the attachment part to the handle neck by shape and / or friction. It is advantageous that this dual function can be achieved by the constraining part simultaneously forming a connecting part that can be engaged with the attachment connecting part of the handle neck by the longitudinal and lateral movement of the handle. . In this case, in particular, the position of the constraining part removed from the drive shaft can simultaneously form the locking position of the connecting part. That is, the restraint component locks the attachment component at a position removed from the drive shaft.

  In this case, in particular, the constraining part can have an engaging part on the radially outer side, for example in the form of an engaging convex part, which is the inner surface of the connecting part or in its interior. It is possible to enter an outwardly-facing indentation provided on the inner surface of the fitted attachment part. As an alternative or additional method, a spring catch may be provided between the restraint part and the attachment part. As a further alternative or additional method, for example, a frictional lock can be provided between the constraining part and the attachment part by crimping the outside of the constraining part against the inner surface of the attachment part.

  In order to operate the restraining means, a catching portion is provided on the restraining part on the handle side so that an axial movement of attaching the attachment part on the handle neck can be used. When the attachment part is mounted on the handle neck, when the attachment part is attached to the handle neck by capturing the abutting surface provided on the connection part of the attachment part when the attachment part is mounted on the handle neck, , Move the catching part and concomitant parts axially towards the grip part of the toothbrush handle. In particular, a pair of abutting surfaces extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle or the longitudinal direction of the attachment part can be provided on the connection part of the restraint part and the attachment part on the handle side. This pair of abutment surfaces is aligned with each other so that the position and orientation are automatically engaged when the attachment part is mounted on the handle neck and the handle side restraint part slides properly in the axial direction. Yes. It is advantageous in this case that the abutting surfaces that are captured each other not only reduce the axial adjustment action for the handle-side restraint part, but also the lateral direction of the handle-side restraint part that is set there. The movement is set to be possible. In particular, the restraint component on the handle side or the abutting surface thereof can slide in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the handle on the abutment surface on the attachment component side. The parts of the handle and the attachment part which act on the axial adjustment operation of the restraining part form a so-called sliding surface pair which slides on each other when attaching the attachment part in the axial direction.

  Conversely, when pulling out the attachment part from the handle of the toothbrush, the attachment part and the restraint part on the handle side are provided with a drive surface pair to automatically remove the restraint part and move it in the axial direction. The drive surface extends laterally with respect to the axial direction and forms a sliding surface pair in the manner described above to cause the handle or attachment part to slide laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction and thereby the handle. It is possible to perform the unlocking operation of the constraining part in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. In this case, both drive surfaces overlap and contact each other when the restraint part is not in the restraint position, but when the restraint part is in the restraint position, they are shifted from each other in the lateral direction. They are dimensioned in the lateral direction, i.e. transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle or attachment part, and are aligned with each other. In other words, when the attachment surface is pulled out, the drive surface is disengaged near the end of the axial movement of the restraint component on the handle side at the latest, so that the attachment component can be completely pulled out. .

  It is advantageous if the abutment surface on the attachment part side is in this case arranged directly adjacent to the edge of the recess into which the restraining part on the handle side can enter directly. In particular, the abutting surface can be transferred to the indented edge surface flush and / or at least partially simultaneously form the indented edge surface. Advantageously, in this case, the abutment surface is at the edge of the indentation, which is the deepest in the tubular attachment piece of the attachment part as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the attachment part.

  When the attachment brush is pulled out, the drive surface for driving the restraint part is formed on the one hand by the edge surface of the recess provided in the attachment part, and on the other hand, the latch convex part of the handle side restraint part is formed. It is advantageous that it can be formed by an edge surface.

  As an alternative or additional method, the abutment surface and the drive surface can also be provided on the latch element. This latching element is provided for locking the attachment part to the handle neck, in which case said latching element is advantageous irrespective of the mounting of said abutment surface and drive surface. In particular, the latch element can have a latch hook, and when the attachment part is attached to the handle of the toothbrush, the latch hook enters the inside of the handle neck, and when it reaches the fully attached position, Engage with the part.

  However, an alternative to such a latch hook that enters the interior of the handle neck is to move on the exterior surface of the handle neck and to provide a latch profile and / or a constraining part that is pulled out there. Engaging latch hooks are also advantageous.

  Advantageously, in this case, the latch hook can be formed in the form of a spring clip which moves transversely, in particular radially, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the attachment part, the long axis of which is substantially the attachment part. It extends in parallel with the longitudinal direction. At the free end of the spring clip, a matching latch profile is attached, for example in the form of a protruding latch projection or a recessed latch recess.

  Such a latch element assists in securing the attachment part to the handle neck. This is particularly advantageous when the restraining means is pretensioned axially away from the handle by the pretensioning device, and the pretension tension can be offset by this lock. On the one hand, a latch element, such as a latch hook, can be provided and / or on the restraint part, in order to strengthen the lock, but on the other hand, when pulling out the attachment brush, the lock can be easily released. An inclined surface can be provided. When the restraint part performs the adjustment operation on the handle neck described above, the inclined surface functions as a V-shaped surface, and unlocks when the attachment brush is pulled out.

  As an alternative or in addition to the latch element in the form of a latch hook, the latch contour can also be formed in a window-shaped recess in the connection part of the attachment part. The constraining part engages this contour when the constraining part moves away from the drive shaft. Advantageously, a set of opposing latching contours, which are undercut in the radial direction, can be provided, in particular in the form of latching projections on the connecting part. When the restraint part enters the window-shaped recess of the attachment part of the attachment brush in the manner described above, this latching projection is a set of side flanges on the restraint part, in particular a pair of opposing side faces of the restraint part. Engage with the auxiliary latch contour of the latch recess.

  If the mating surfaces are dirty, the dirt catch on the handle neck of the toothbrush handle and / or the attachment part of the attachment part to further ensure that the attachment part fits snugly on and is connected to the toothbrush handle neck. A hole is provided. Dust particles, debris, etc. can escape into this hole, so to speak, will not interfere with the connection process when both toothbrush parts are set. Said dirt catch holes can in this case be provided in particular on the cylinder-shaped or conical mating surfaces of the handle neck and attachment part, in particular on the outer face of the handle neck and the inner face of the connection part of the attachment part. As an alternative or additional method, such a dirt catch hole can be attached to the handle of the toothbrush and / or the restraint part of the attachment part and / or to the engaging part provided there. And do not interfere with the connection process. For example, if such dirt catch holes can be provided on the outer surface of the expanding restraint component and / or the inner surface of the attachment component that can be engaged therewith, the expansion of the restraint component is not hindered.

  In this case, the dirt catch hole can be variously formed. According to an advantageous embodiment, the dirt catch hole may be formed in the shape of an elongated hole in the surface, in particular in the form of an elongated vertical hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush and having a substantially groove-shaped catch hole. it can.

  Regardless of the summary summarized in the claims, these and further features that can form the subject of the present invention in the form of subcombinations or in combination are the claims and the following description and It is also derived from the figure that belongs to it.

1 is a partial plan view of an electric toothbrush according to an advantageous embodiment showing a portion of an attachment brush and handle; FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush when cut along line CC in FIG. 1, showing a two-piece handle neck with a constraining part in an unconstrained position. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toothbrush at the time of cut | disconnecting along the line BB of FIG. 1 which showed the parallelogram-shaped rod guide of a handle | steering-side restraint component. The fragmentary sectional view of the toothbrush shown by the previous figure which showed the attachment brush connection component in the case of attachment on a handle neck. In this case, the handle side restraint part is still in the restraint position. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the toothbrush shown in the previous figures, similar to FIG. 4, showing the position immediately before the attachment brush is inserted and the restraining part reaches the abutment surface of the attachment brush connecting part and operates. FIG. 6 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, showing a further position of the handle side restraint component when the attachment brush is further inserted into the toothbrush handle. FIG. 6 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, showing a further position of the handle side restraint component when the attachment brush is further inserted into the toothbrush handle. FIG. 6 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, showing a further position of the handle side restraint component when the attachment brush is further inserted into the toothbrush handle. FIG. 9 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 to 8, showing a terminal position of a handle side restraint component in an unconstrained state at a position where the attachment brush is completely attached. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal partial sectional view through a toothbrush similar to FIG. 4 according to a further advantageous embodiment in which the restraining part is expandable by a link guide. In this case, the constraining part has been shown moving out and in the unconstrained position. Fig. 11 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of Fig. 10. In this case, the restraint component is shown in a position that moves in and restrains the drive shaft. Longitudinal section through a toothbrush similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, according to a further advantageous embodiment, which is guided in a link using only one guide pin and is equipped with a restraining part formed as a sliding block Figure. In this case, FIG. 12 shows the position where the drive shaft is locked. The vertical fragmentary sectional view by the toothbrush of FIG. In this case, the sliding block in the unconstrained position is shown. A further advantage is that the attachment brush has a latch hook formed as a spring clip that locks onto the handle neck, which at the same time forms a tappet for actuating the restraining part guided in the link guide FIG. 12 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view of a toothbrush similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 according to an embodiment. In this case, the restraining part in the position to lock the drive shaft and the latch hook not in the engaged position are shown. The longitudinal fragmentary sectional view by the toothbrush of FIG. In this case, the restraint part is shown in which the latch hook is engaged and in the unrestrained position. FIG. 15 is a vertical partial cross-sectional view through a toothbrush similar to FIG. 14 according to a further advantageous embodiment in which the latch hooks move on and engage on the outer periphery of the handle neck. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the latch hook provided on the attachment brush moves over the outer periphery of the handle neck and engages an outwardly constrained component to lock the drive shaft, FIG. And FIG. 9 is a vertical partial sectional view of a toothbrush similar to the above. In this case, the constraining part according to FIG. 17 is in an unconstrained position that has been spread out. In addition to the latch hook that engages the restraining part, the attachment brush connection part is provided with a pressure piece or block piece that holds the restraining part in the pushed back position against the spring force. FIG. 18 is a partial longitudinal section through a toothbrush similar to FIG. 17 according to a further advantageous embodiment. A further advantage is that the restraint part is guided in a squirrel-shaped groove guide while sliding longitudinally to restrain the drive shaft and is pretensioned in the restraint position by a spring device. The vertical fragmentary sectional view by the toothbrush similar to the previous figure by embodiment. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal partial sectional view with a toothbrush similar to the previous figures, according to a further advantageous embodiment, in which the restraining part is formed in the form of a pivotably provided cam for restraining the drive shaft. FIG. 6 is a side view of a restraint component slidable in a link guide with a radially undercut latch profile of a toothbrush handle for engaging an attachment brush. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a toothbrush of the latching contour portion of the restraint component, showing the concave configuration in the restraint component and the latch contour of the attachment component interacting therewith.

  The toothbrush 1 shown in the figure includes an attachment component connected to the handle in the form of a handle 2 and an attachment brush 3. The handle 2 shown in part has a housing in a known manner, in which a drive motor and an energy supply device, for example in the form of a battery, are housed, for turning the motor on / off. An operation switch is installed. 1-3, at the front end of the handle 2, the housing of the handle 2 forms a handle neck 4, which in the embodiment shown in the figure (generally Formed in the shape of a frustoconical, substantially cylinder-shaped connecting part projecting to the front, which, if necessary, leads slightly conically towards the free end Can be thinned. From the handle neck 4, a drive shaft 5 that can be driven while rotating and oscillating protrudes from the front.

  The attachment brush 3 has a working head 6 with a brush part not shown in detail in the figure, which in the embodiment shown in the figure is the axis of the brush part which faces the longitudinal direction of the brush. It can be driven while rotating and oscillating around the center. This working head 6 is supported by a generally tubular connection piece 7 which can be mounted on the handle neck 4 of the toothbrush handle 2. The tubular connecting part 7 has an attachment shaft 8 in which the attachment brush 3 can be connected to the drive shaft 5 on the handle side in a torque resistant manner.

  In order to secure the attachment brush 3 to the handle 2, a connecting insert 9 is mounted in or on the tubular connecting piece 7 in the form of a connecting sleeve or a connecting ring, the connecting sleeve being a tubular connecting piece 7. In which the coupling ring is fixedly arranged axially and / or radially. The connecting sleeve 9 is roughly formed in a cylindrical shape or a slightly conical shape, so that the connecting sleeve 9 can be slid in the axial direction toward the handle neck 4. Thereby, the attachment brush can be fixed to the handle 2 with almost no gap. In another embodiment of the attachment brush, the connecting piece 7 is structurally integrated with the connecting insert 9, i.e. integrally formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle neck 4 of the toothbrush handle 2 is fitted with a rib-shaped and / or substantially half-shell-shaped restraining part 13 which, on the other hand, A restraining means 23 for blocking the drive shaft 5 is formed, and at the same time, a connecting part of the handle side connecting device 10 is formed. This connecting part can engage with the connecting insert 9 on the attachment brush side. In this case, the frustoconical handle neck 4 is divided in two into a main body fixedly connected to the handle housing and a restraining and connecting part 13 movably provided, which form the actual handle neck 4. This restraint and connection piece 13 continues substantially the contour of the handle neck 4 in an initial position for restraining the drive shaft 5 as shown in FIG. A connection truncated cone that allows the connection part 7 to slide is formed.

  The restraint and connecting part 13 on the handle side has a symmetry surface extending in the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle 2 and is movably connected to the handle neck 4 by a parallelogram rod guide 17. As best shown in FIG. 3, the parallelogram rod guide 17 has two pivotable rods 15 and 16, which are oriented parallel to each other, One end is connected to the handle neck 4, and the other end is connected to the restraining component 13. The “both” rods 15 and 16 may be two rod pairs, each disposed on the left and right sides of the drive shaft 5 and each connected to a common pivot axis pair. Thereby, the restraint component 13 is stably supported even with respect to the inclination in the lateral direction with respect to the rod.

  4-9, the constraining part 13 forms a so-called initial position that blocks the drive shaft 5 at the end of the front face of the handle via a parallelogram rod guide 17. From the forward end position, the handle 2 can be rotated or moved back to the second end position, at which the restraint piece 13 secures the attachment brush to the handle neck. In this case, the parallelogram-shaped rod guide 17 forms a spread mechanism 14 that spreads the constraining component 13 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush when moving from the front end position to the rear end position. Therefore, the second terminal position of the restraint component 13 shown in FIG. 9 is located further outward in the radial direction than the first front terminal position shown in FIG. In this case, it is advantageous that the diameter of the connecting insert 9 of the attachment brush 3 is exactly adapted to the expansion movement of the restraining part 13, so that when the parallelogram rod guide 17 is pushed to the back, A slight interference deformation occurs and / or a tight interference fit is implemented by a slight radial pressure on the restraining part 13 in the peripheral part where the restraining part 13 locks the attachment brush 3. That is. Thereby, the attachment brush 3 is stably held by the handle 2 of the toothbrush.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the connection insert 9 on the attachment part side has a recess 25 directed outward on the inner surface side in the form of a window in the connection insert 9 and has a radius. A latch 18 of the restraining part 13 projecting in the direction can fit into the window. In this case, the latch 18 forms an engaging portion 11 where the connecting device 10 on the handle side fixes the attachment brush 3 on the handle neck 4.

  Advantageously, an operating projection 28 that projects radially inward next to the indentation 25 is attached to the connecting insert 9, and is used when attaching the attachment brush 3 on the handle neck 4. The operation protrusion 28 drives the restraint component 3 and pushes it into the lock position. At this time, in the embodiment shown in the drawing, the operation protrusion 28 is arranged at the rear part of the recess 25 when facing the mounting direction, and the operation protrusion 28 when facing the insertion direction, It protrudes further inwardly in the radial direction than the portion 29 of the connecting insert 9 in front of the recess 25 (see FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown in the figure, since the operation protrusion 28 is directly connected to the recess 25, the abutting surface 20 extending in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the attachment part is flush with the operation protrusion 28. Transition to the edge surface of the depression (see FIG. 4).

  This produces the following functions. That is, when the attachment brush 3 is mounted on the handle neck 4, the restraint component 13 is initially in the terminal position where the drive shaft 5 is moved and moved to the inside. The inner diameter of the connecting insert 9 in the insertion range up to the recess 25 is larger than the radius of the latch 18 when seen in the radial direction when the restraining part 13 enters and is in the unlocked position (see FIG. 4).

  This allows the attachment brush 3 to slide through the restraint 13 until the latch 18 is in the range of the recess 25 as shown in FIG. However, when the attachment brush 3 is further inserted, the abutting surface 20 provided on the front surface of the restraint component 13 that extends in the transverse direction to the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle similarly protrudes from the operation projection 28 of the connecting insert 9. It hits the mating surface 26. 6-8, when the handle neck 4 is further inserted, the restraint component 13 stops and is spread outward on a predetermined motion trajectory by the parallelogram rod guide 17. Correspondingly, the latch 18 enters the recess 25. When the attachment brush 3 is completely attached, the vertical positions of the rods 15 and 16 of the parallelogram rod guide 17 shown in FIG. Is pressed. In the fully locked position, the rods 15 and 16 are tilted back slightly towards the handle 2 (see FIG. 9).

  When the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again, the restraint component 13 is returned in the opposite direction to the position for restraining the drive shaft 5 again. In this case, the drive surface 27 provided on the connecting insert 9 drives the drive surface 21 provided on the restraint component 13 and the restraint component 13 together with the drive surface 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive surface 21 of the restraint 13 is formed by the back surface of the latch 18 and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle. On the connecting insert 9, a drive surface 27 is formed by the edge surface of the recess 25.

  Advantageously, the constraining part 13 in this case forms a control device 22 or part thereof that automatically prevents the toothbrush motor from operating unnecessarily when the attachment brush 3 is removed. It is that you are. At this time, the restraint component 13 has a flat portion 24 on the inner surface side that interacts with the flat surface 31 on the outer surface side of the drive shaft 5. As shown in a comparison between FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, since the flat portion 24 of the restraint component 13 in the restraint position is on the flat portion 31 of the drive shaft 5, the drive shaft 5 cannot rotate. On the other hand, when the restraint component 13 moves outward, the drive shaft 8 is released (see FIG. 9).

  The aforementioned restraint of the drive shaft 5 can in this case be part of a travel safety device and / or a battery protection device that turns off the drive motor when the drive shaft is restrained. The control device 22 can detect whether or not the restraint component 13 restrains the drive shaft 5 using an appropriate detection device. For this purpose, in particular, a detection device 32 for detecting the height of the motor current can be provided. In other words, when the drive shaft 5 is constrained, the motor current rises above the normal level. Therefore, when the predetermined motor current limit value is exceeded, this means that the drive shaft 5 is constrained and the attachment parts are pulled out. Can be considered to have occurred. In this case, the switch-off device 33 of the control device 22 can turn off the drive motor in order to prevent damage to the drive motor or unintentional discharge of the battery or storage battery.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the spread mechanism 14 for expanding the constraining part 13 can have a slide guide in the form of a link guide 34 instead of the parallelogram rod guide 17 described so far. 10 and 11, the restraining part 13 has guide links 35 in the form of two longitudinally grooved, step-like angled guide grooves, with a diameter of approximately When the two guide pins 36 corresponding to the width of the guide groove are engaged in the groove, the constraining part 13 is slid and guided substantially without a gap. Instead of the two guide grooves shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it seems that only one guide groove can be provided if necessary, and it is expanded by combining it with another support of the restraint part 13. At this time, it is considered that the restraint component 13 additionally performs a turning motion. However, a link guide comprising two guide pins 36 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is preferred.

  Advantageously, the guide link 35 has guide portions 37, 38 and 39 which are inclined in various sizes with respect to the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle. Alternatively, the expansion operation proceeds in a plurality of stages. In this case, it is preferable that an intermediate guide portion 39 which is inclined sharply is provided, and this portion is connected to the guide end portions 37 and 38 which are less inclined (see FIG. 10). The guide end portions 37 and 38 are now oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle, so that the guide pin 36 is at this guide end portion 37 and 38 portion. The restraint component 13 is not moved upward, and the restraint component 13 is held in the extended position without being applied with an axial force. If necessary, the guide ends 37 and 38 may be slightly inclined in the opposite direction with respect to the inclination of the intermediate guide portion 39, so that a slight compression is required when entering the end position. Occurs.

  The inclination of the intermediate guide part 39 is in this case adapted to the state of the coupling device 10, ie in particular to the length of the mounting operation, the diameter of the handle neck and the size of the flat surface of the drive shaft 5. In this case, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a tilt angle in the range of 45 ° to 80 ° has proven advantageous.

  Apart from the formation of the spread mechanism 14, the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 substantially correspond to the embodiments of the previous figures, and in this regard, reference is made to the previous description and corresponding. The same numbers are applied to the components.

  Also in terms of function, the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 substantially correspond to the embodiments of the previous figures. When the attachment brush 3 is mounted on the handle neck 4, as shown in FIG. 11, the restraining part 13 is initially in the unlocked end position that has entered therein. The inner diameter of the connecting insert 9 in the insertion range up to the recess 25 is larger than the radius of the latch 18 of the constraining part 13 when viewed in the radial direction (see FIG. 11).

  This allows the attachment brush 3 to slide through the restraint component 13 until the latch 18 is in the range of the recess 25. However, when the attachment brush 3 is further inserted, the abutting surface 20 provided on the front surface of the restraint component 13 extending in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction 12 of the handle is the abutting surface of the operation projecting portion 28 of the connecting insert 9. It hits 26. When the attachment brush 3 is further inserted, this causes the restraint part 13 to be driven in the axial direction, whereby the restraint part 13 moves in the link guide 34. Here, the constraining part 13 is pushed radially outwards via the inclined intermediate guide part 39 so that its latch 18 enters the window-shaped recess 25 of the attachment brush 3 (see FIG. 10). reference).

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in this case, the operating protrusion 28 of the attachment brush 3 that drives the restraining part 13 is formed in the shape of a spring clip and in the fully attached position, This spring clip engages the handle neck 4 and, as far as this is concerned, forms a locking device, for example a latch hook. In particular, when the handle neck 4 enters the inside, the latch hook is first elastically applied there and slides on the contour of the handle neck. When the end position is reached, the latch hook engages in the undercut recess and returns with the spring force. In this case, in the illustrated embodiment, a radially projecting latch 40 is attached to the latch hook and this latch 40 enters a latch recess provided in the handle neck 4 (FIG. 10). See). Thereby, the attachment brush 3 can be restrained to the attached position auxiliary.

  When the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again, the restraint component 13 is returned to the position in the opposite direction in the opposite direction. In this case, the drive surface 27 provided on the connecting insert 9 drives the drive surface 21 provided on the restraint component 13 and the restraint component 13 together with the drive surface 21. At the same time, the latch hook 28 is disengaged by the inclination of the latch 40 (see FIG. 10). When pulled back further, the restraint part 13 moves radially inward in the link guide 34 until the inner contour of the attachment brush 3 is pulled away from the latch 18 of the restraint part 13 (see FIG. 11). At this time, the flat surface 24 on the inner side of the restraint component 13 comes on the flat surface 31 of the drive shaft 5, so that the drive shaft 5 is blocked.

  Advantageously, a dirt catch hole 41 is provided in the mating surface of the toothbrush handle and attachment part. Dust particles, dirt particles, etc. can escape into the holes, so to speak, they do not interfere with the connection process. In particular, longitudinal groove-shaped elongated holes 42 can be provided as dirt catch holes 42 on the outer surface of the restraint component 13 and / or the outer surface of the handle neck 4 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

  FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, according to which the restraint part 13 is likewise formed as a sliding block. As shown in FIG. 12, the constraining part 13 is also guided in a link guide 34 that converts the axial movement of the constraining part 13 into a lateral movement. Here, in the restraint component 13, a guide link 35 formed in the shape of a stepped vertical groove is provided, as in the embodiment described above, and this guide link 35 is a toothbrush. It has different guide portions 37, 38 and 39 with various inclinations relative to the long axis. However, with respect to the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, the restraint component 13 comprising the guide link 35 is guided only by one guide pin 36.

  Furthermore, in order to prevent the restraint part 13 from tilting, the restraint part 13 has an abutting surface 26 directed towards the attachment part 3, which is the pressure piece 46 of the attachment brush 3. It interacts with the butting surface 20 of. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a protruding pressure piece 46 is provided inside the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3, and the pusher piece 46 is attached when the attachment brush 3 is mounted on the handle neck 4. Enters into the handle neck 4. At this time, the abutting surface 26 directed toward the handle 2 contacts the abutting surface 20 of the restraint component 13. When the attachment brush 3 is further inserted, the pressure piece 46 pushes back the restraint part 13, and the restraint part 13 moves away from the drive shaft 5 via the link guide 34 as shown in FIG. 13. Pushed outward.

  In this case, the restraint part 13 is pressurized by a spring device 47 in the form of a pressure spring, and this pressure spring applies pretension to the restraint part 13 at the restraint position of the drive shaft 3 and returns. The pressure piece 46 of the attachment brush 3 ensures that the abutting surface pairs 20 and 26 are firmly overlapped. As a result, the restraint component 13 is appropriately adjusted even if there is only one guide pin 36.

  As shown from the comparison between FIGS. 12 and 13, the restraint component 13 is thereby separated from the drive shaft 5 by the link guide 34 when the attachment brush 3 is attached, so that the drive shaft 5 is released. When the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again, the spring device 47 forcibly returns the restraint component 13 to the restraint initial position shown in FIG. 12 where the drive shaft 5 is blocked.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 basically corresponds to the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, so that the same components are numbered identically and to that extent, so far Explanation applies. In the case of the embodiment according to FIGS. 14 and 15 as well, the restraining part 13 guided in the link guide 34 is operated by a latch element 43 of the attachment brush 3, which is formed as a latch hook 44. The latch element 43 protrudes toward the handle 2 inside the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3, and when the attachment brush 3 is mounted on the handle neck 4, the front surface of the latch element 43 is the restraint part. The position and the shape are adjusted so as to move toward 13. In this case, the latch element 43 is provided with a butt surface 26 that moves toward the butt surface 20 of the restraint component 13 on the front surface thereof. When described in combination with FIGS. 10 and 11, this causes the restraint component 13 to return within the link guide 34 and slide outward when the attachment brush 3 is attached, while the drive shaft 5 is free. On the other hand, the restraining part 13 locks the attachment brush 3 on the handle neck 4 by the engagement part 11 projecting outward in the radial direction entering the window-shaped depression 25 of the connection part 7. (See FIG. 15).

  In this case, the attachment brush 3 is further locked to the handle neck 4 by the latch element 43. As shown in FIG. 15, the latch element 43, which is formed in the shape of a radially moving spring clip, moves into the handle neck 4, at which time the latch element 43 projects first. 40 slides on the contour of the handle neck 4 arranged on the inner surface side. When the attachment brush 3 has fully reached the mounting position, the latch element 43 slips in the recess of the latch contour 48 of the handle neck 4, thereby locking the attachment brush 3 to the handle neck 4. As shown in FIG. 15, the latch surfaces engaging the latch 40 and latch profile 48 are substantially aligned perpendicular to the mounting direction, thus ensuring a strong engagement.

  Furthermore, in order to be able to remove the attachment brush 3 from the handle 2, the latch element 43 and / or the restraining part 13 is provided with at least one inclined surface 49 or 50, so that it can be latched when being pulled out. The constraining part 13 that exerts pressure on the element exhibits a wedge effect that disengages the latch hook 44 from the latch contour 48 on the handle side. At this time, when the attachment brush 3 is pulled out from the handle 2, the restraint component 13 is driven by the drive surface 21 and the drive surface 27 provided in the recess 25 corresponding thereto.

  In this case, the restraint component 13 can be pretensioned to a position where the drive shaft 5 is restrained by a spring device not shown in detail in FIG. Since the pre-tension of the spring device is canceled by the engagement of the attachment brush 3 with the handle 2, this pre-tension does not cause the attachment brush 3 to slide unnecessarily from the handle 2.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, an engagement between the attachment brush 3 and the handgrip part 2 is provided in a similar manner. As long as this embodiment is consistent with the previously described embodiment according to FIGS. 14 and 15, their description applies, in which case the same components are numbered identically. Unlike the embodiment according to FIGS. 14 and 15, in the toothbrush according to FIG. 16, the latch element 43 is set to have a latch hook 44 for engaging the handle neck 4 from the outside periphery. In this case, the latch hook 44 is formed in the form of a spring clip that moves in the radial direction, which extends into the interior of the connecting part 7 and continues in a substantially continuous manner. At that time, the latch element 43 extends substantially parallel to the long axis of the connection component 7.

  In particular, the latch hook 44 can be provided on the connecting insert 9 inside the connection part 7.

  When attaching the attachment brush 3, the latch hook 44 first slides on the outer contour of the handle neck 4. In this case, due to the presence of the latch 40, the latch hook 44 extends outward flexibly. When fully attached, the latch hook 44 engages an undercut latch profile 48 of the handle neck 4 that is formed in the shape of a recess or recess.

  In order to be able to disengage when the attachment brush 3 is withdrawn, the latch 40 and / or the latch contour 48 on the handle side can be adapted in an appropriate manner, for example, the protrusion of the spherical cap and the corresponding flats. It can be contoured in a pan shape. In an alternative or additional manner, similar to the previously described embodiments, the latch hook 40 and the restraining part 13 can be provided with inclined surface pairs 49 and 50 that exhibit a wedge action when the attachment brush 3 is pulled out. This action, on the one hand, pushes the restraining part 13 radially inward and, on the other hand, pushes the latch hook 44 radially outward.

  FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the toothbrush 1 with the restraining part 13 guided in the link guide 34, where again the latch element 43 is engaged with the handle 2 of the toothbrush 1 by the attachment brush 3. It is prepared in the form of a latch hook 44 for mating. Similar to the embodiment according to FIG. 16, the latch hook 44 is again provided inside the connection part 7, in which case the latch hook 44 is substantially relative to the long axis of the attachment brush 3. It extends in parallel. However, here, unlike the embodiment according to FIG. 16, when the constraining part 13 extends outward and is in a position not constraining the drive shaft 5, the latch hook 44 is not the handle neck 4 itself, Lock with the restraint component 13 (see FIG. 17). In the method described above, the constraining part 13 simultaneously functions as a connecting part for holding the attachment brush 3 on the handle neck 4. At this time, the engaging part 11 protruding outward in the radial direction of the constraining part 13. Enters into the recess 25 in the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3. Extending in the part of the recess 25 is the latch hook 44 which is then engaged with the undercut latch profile 48 of the restraining part 13.

  When the attachment brush 3 is mounted on the handle neck 4, on the other hand, in the method described above, the restraint component 13 is moved radially outward by the link guide 34. In this case, when the constraining part 13 enters the recess 25 on the attachment brush side, first, the latch hook 44 slides on the back surface of the constraining part 13 on the outer side in the radial direction. When the attachment brush 3 reaches the fully attached position, the latch hook 44 bounces radially inward so that the latch 40 enters into the latch profile 48 of the restraint 13 that interacts therewith. The aforementioned engagement of the latch hook 44 ensures that the restraining part 13 is returned again when the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again. Thus, the latch face pair of latch 40 and latch contour 48 can form the drive face 21 or 27 described above, which drives the restraint component 13 when the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again. In other respects, the embodiment according to FIG. 17 corresponds to the embodiment of the previous figures, so that, to that extent, their description is adapted and numbered identically.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in this case, in order to invalidate the pretension of the restraint component 13 applied by the spring device described above, the pressure piece 46 in contact with the front surface of the restraint component 13 is attached to the attachment brush 3. It can also be provided inside the connection component 7 (see FIG. 18). In this case, in the position where the attachment brush 3 is completely attached, the restraint component 13 is also a latch provided inside the connection component 7 or the coupling component 9 as shown in FIG. Engage with the hook 44.

  FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of a restraining part 13 for restraining or blocking the drive shaft 5. Similar to the previously described embodiment, here again an axially moving restraint part 13 is attached to the handle neck 4, this restraining part 13 being able to simultaneously move the axial movement of the restraint part 13 in the radial direction. It is movably provided in the slide guide so as to cause a lateral movement. As shown in FIG. 19, in this case, the constraining part 13 is guided so as to be movable in a groove guide which is formed as a fin-shaped groove guide in the embodiment shown in the figure. A guide groove similar to a link is here formed in the handle neck, in which case the restraining part 13 can advantageously move on the surfaces facing each other in the corresponding fin-shaped groove. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, since the guide groove is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the handle 2, when the restraint component 13 is pushed back toward the grip portion, Separated from the drive shaft 5. In the restraining position shown in FIG. 19, the restraining component 13 contacts and blocks the flat portion of the drive shaft 5 in the manner described above.

  At this time, the restraint component 13 is pretensioned into the restraint position in the axial direction using a spring device 47 in the form of a pressure spring. When attaching the attachment brush 3, in order to unlock the drive shaft 5, the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3 is provided with a tappet having a butting surface 26 protruding to the front surface. In order to push back the restraint component 13, the restraint component 13 moves toward the abutting surface 20 of the restraint component 13 which is also arranged on the front surface (see FIG. 19).

  FIG. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of the restraint component 13. According to this, the constraining part 13 can be formed in the shape of a cam that can be turned. In this case, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the restraint component 13 is provided in the vicinity of the wall of the handle neck 4 so as to be pivotable about the horizontal axis 51. It is possible to reciprocate between a restraining position engaging with the drive shaft 5 and an unrestraining position not engaging with the drive shaft 5.

  In this case, the restraint part 13 and its pivot bearing are formed and arranged so that the engaging part of the restraint part 13 blocking the drive shaft 5 is substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft 5 in the restraint position. ing. That is, the imaginary line by the turning point of the restraint component 13 and the engagement point of the drive shaft 5 is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the drive shaft 5 (see FIG. 20). At this time, the restraint component 13 is pretensioned into the restraint position using a spring device 47 that can be formed as a pressure spring.

  In this case, similar to the previously described embodiment, the restraint component 13 is automatically moved to the unconstrained position. For this purpose, when attached, the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3 is provided with a tappet comprising a butting surface 26 that pushes the cam-shaped restraining part 13 (see FIG. 20). As a result, the restraint component 13 is returned and separated from the drive shaft 5, that is, the spring device 39 is deformed.

  When the attachment brush 3 is pulled out again, the spring device 39 pushes the restraint component 13 back to the restraint position.

  Of course, in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 20 as well, an engagement can be additionally provided between the attachment brush 3 and the handle 2 in the manner described above.

  21 and 22 show a further form of the locking method between the restraining part 13 and the attachment brush 3. FIG. 21 shows a constraining part 13 which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 and can be moved by the link guide 34 in the manner already described. In this case, the latching contour 53 is provided in the engagement portion 11 of the restraint component 13 that can enter the window-shaped depression 25 of the attachment brush 3 described above in order to lock the attachment brush 3 to the handle neck. The latch contour 53 is formed by being undercut in the radial direction with respect to the long axis of the toothbrush. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, two latch recesses are provided on the opposing side surfaces of the restraint component 13, and this is formed like a tank-like recess.

  This latching contour provided on the opposite side faces allows the restraint part 13 to be locked to the attachment brush 3 when the restraint part 13 returns to the position where the drive shaft 5 is released. For this purpose, the attachment brush 3 has, in the form of latch projections 54, latched contours which are opposite to each other and which are also undercut in the radial direction, in the window-shaped recess 25 (see FIG. 22). The latching contours 54 are in this case configured to be resilient, so that they can open to one another when the restraining part 13 enters between the latching protrusions 54. As a result, the latch protrusion 54 can slide through the flange of the restraint component 13 until it can enter the recess 53 provided in the restraint component 13.

  This engagement by the latch contours 53 and 54 ensures that the attachment brush is held on the handle neck 4. Furthermore, since the engagement of the restraint component 13 holds the restraint component 13 in a so-called initial position, the spring pretension of the restraint component 13 can be invalidated.

  As an alternative or additional method, the engagement of the restraining part 13 can also be carried out at the handle neck 4. In this case, the opposing latch convex portions 54 shown in FIG. 22 are provided not on the connection part 7 of the attachment brush 3 but on the handle neck 4. Also in this embodiment, the restraint component 13 is engaged with the position moved outward that releases the drive shaft 5, so that the pre-tension of the spring can be invalidated. Nevertheless, the engaging portion 11 of the restraining component 13 can enter or protrude from the window of the handle neck 4 or the window of the attachment brush 3 in this case, so that it is necessary if necessary. Thus, the attachment brush 3 can be similarly locked to the handle neck 4.

Claims (49)

  An electric motor comprising a connecting device (10) for connecting an attachment brush (3) or an attachment component such as the same, and a drive system component (5) that can be driven by a drive motor for driving the attachment component. The toothbrush handle of the toothbrush (1), characterized in that it is provided with releasable restraining means for restraining, blocking and / or braking the drive train component (5).   An electronic switch-off device (33) is preferably provided for turning off the drive motor in accordance with the engaging position of the restraining means and / or when the drive system component (5) is restrained. The toothbrush handle according to claim 1.   The switch-off device (33) includes detection means (32) for detecting a motor current, and switch-off means for turning off the drive motor when a specified motor current is exceeded. Toothbrush handle as described.   Depending on the position of the coupling device (10), a control device (22) for controlling the engagement position of the restraining step (23) is incorporated in the restraining means (23), which is advantageous. The said control apparatus is formed so that the said restraint stage (23) will be cancelled | released when the said attachment components are connected, and it will be in a restraint position when the said attachment components are removed. The toothbrush handle according to item.   The said restraining means (23) has the restraint component (13) provided with the movable part provided with the engaging part (52) for engaging with the said drive system component (5) restrained. The toothbrush handle as described in any one of 1-4.   The toothbrush handle according to claim 5, wherein the engaging part (52) is fixedly connected to the restraining part (13), preferably integrally formed on the restraining part (13).   7. The restraint component (13) according to any of claims 5 and 6, wherein the restraint component (13) is capable of engaging with the drive train component (5) and has an engagement surface adapted in shape to the drive train component (5). The toothbrush handle according to claim 1.   A flat portion on the outer surface side is provided on the restraint component (3), and the flat portion moves toward the flat portion of the drive shaft of the handle (2), which is also provided on the outer surface side. The toothbrush handle of claim 7, which is possible.   The toothbrush handle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the restraining part (13) is movable in the axial direction in the longitudinal direction of the handle.   The constraining part is provided such that the axial movement of the constraining part (13) causes a lateral movement of the engaging portion (52) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle. The toothbrush handle according to claim 9, wherein the toothbrush handle is formed and / or formed.   A spread mechanism (14) is provided between the handle neck (4) and the engagement portion (52). When the restraint component (13) moves in the axial direction by the spread mechanism, the engagement mechanism (14) is provided. 11. Toothbrush handle according to claim 10, wherein the mating part (52) can extend inwardly towards the drivetrain component (5) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle.   The spread mechanism (14) is formed as a forced guide that prevents lateral movement of the restraint part (13) without axial movement of the restraint part (13) and / or vice versa. The toothbrush handle according to claim 11.   The spread mechanism (14) has a slide guide, preferably a link guide (34), for the restraining part (13), the link guide being at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle. 13. Toothbrush handle according to any one of claims 11 and 12, comprising a tilted guide portion (39).   The slide guide has a plurality of guide portions (37, 38, 39) inclined at different sizes with respect to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle, preferably two guide end portions (37). 38), the toothbrush handle according to claim 13, wherein the toothbrush handle is inclined at a smaller angle than the central guide portion (39) between them.   The spread mechanism (14) has at least one rod (15), one end of which is pivotally connected to the handle neck (4), the other end The toothbrush handle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the toothbrush handle is connected to the restraining part (13).   The restraining part (13) is connected to the handle neck (4) by a parallelogram rod guide (17) having at least two rods (15, 16) oriented substantially parallel to each other. The toothbrush handle according to claim 15.   The toothbrush handle according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the constraining part (13) is formed as a cam that is pivotably provided.   A toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pretensioning device, preferably a spring device, for pretensioning the restraining position is incorporated into the restraining part (13).   When the restraint part (13) attaches the attachment part on the handle neck (4), it captures a specified counterpart on the attachment part and pivots the restraint part (13) to a release position. 19. Toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a catch portion (19) adapted in shape and position to the counterpart on the attachment part for sliding in a direction.   20. Toothbrush handle according to claim 19, wherein the capture portion (19) has a butting surface (20) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle.   When pulling out the attachment part from the handle neck (4), an engagement contour for returning the restraint (13) in the axial direction is preferably in the form of a drive surface (21), the restraint part (13). When the restraining part (13) moves inwardly toward the handle neck (4) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (12) of the handle. 21. A toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a contour is dimensioned to deviate from the attachment part.   The restraining means (23) forms a connecting device (10) for locking the attachment part (3) by shape and / or friction to the handle neck (4) of the toothbrush handle, and the drive system part ( The toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the released position from 5) the attachment part (3) is locked to the handle neck (4) by shape and / or friction.   The engaging part (11), wherein the restraining part (13) of the restraining means (23) forms a connecting part of the connecting device (10), and has a latch contour that fits in shape with a counterpart of the attachment part, 23. A toothbrush handle according to claim 22, comprising a latch (18), preferably protruding radially.   The restraining means (23) is undercut radially, preferably in a radial direction, for latching engagement with the handle neck (4) and / or attachment part in a release position from the drive train part (5). 24. A toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, having a latching recess (53).   The connecting part preferably forms a rib-like shell part, which forms part of the contour of the handle neck in the unlocked position of the connecting device (10), preferably the handle 25. A toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neck profile continues in a substantially continuous manner.   26. Toothbrush handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle neck (4) has a dirt catch hole (41).   The dirt catch hole (41) is formed in a mating surface that can engage with the mating surface of the attachment part (3), preferably in the form of a slotted elongated hole (42). 27. Toothbrush handle according to 26.   The handle neck (4) has a latching profile, preferably arranged to be internal, for engaging a latch element (43), in particular a latch hook (44) provided on the attachment part (3). The toothbrush handle according to any one of claims 1 to 27.   A working head (6) and a tubular connection piece (7) connected to the working head (6), attachable on the handle neck (4) of the toothbrush handle. An attachment part for a toothbrush handle according to any one of 28, in particular an attachment brush, wherein the connection part (7) is mounted on the handle neck when the connection part (7) is mounted on the handle neck (4). An attachment part having a butting surface (26) for pushing back the restraint part (13) in the axial direction.   The connection part (7) has a connecting part (9) for locking the connection part (7) by shape and / or friction on the handle neck (4), and the restraint part (13 on the handle side). 30. Attachment part according to claim 29, having an outwardly-facing recess (25) in which an engagement part of   31. Attachment component according to claim 30, wherein the recess (25) forms a window-shaped latch recess.   32. Attachment part according to any one of claims 30 and 31, wherein the abutment surface (26) is arranged adjacent to the indentation (25) in the longitudinal direction of the attachment part.   Attachment according to claim 32, wherein the abutment surface (26) transitions flush to the edge surface of the indentation and / or forms an edge surface at least partially in contact with the indentation (25). parts.   34. A drive surface (27) is provided for driving the restraint part (13) on the handle side in the axial direction when the connection part (7) is removed from the handle neck (4). The attachment part as described in any one of.   The drive surface (27) is arranged in the recess (25) adjacent to the longitudinal direction of the attachment part, in particular forming an edge surface of the recess in contact with the recess (25). Item 34. The attachment part according to item 34.   36. Attachment part according to claim 35, wherein the abutment surface (26) and the drive surface (27) are provided at opposite edges of the indentation (25).   37. The connection element (7) according to any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the connection piece (7) comprises a latching element (43) that can engage the latching contour of the handle neck (4) and / or the restraining means (23). Attachment parts as described in.   38. Attachment part according to claim 37, wherein the latch element (43) has a latch hook (44) that can enter the handle neck (4) of the toothbrush handle (2).   Attachment part according to any of claims 37 or 38, wherein the latch element (43) comprises a latch hook (44) which is slidable on the outer surface of the handle neck (4).   40. Attachment part according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the latch element (43) forms an operating part of the restraining means (23) of the toothbrush handle.   The latch element (43) has the butting surface (26) for pushing back the restraint component (13) on the handle side in the axial direction when the attachment component is pulled out from the toothbrush handle neck (4) in the axial direction. Attachment component according to claim 40, and / or comprising the drive surface (27) for axially driving the restraint component (13) on the handle side.   42. Attachment component according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein the latch element (43) forms a spring clip that moves laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the latchment.   The latch element (43) preferably has an unlatching profile in the form of an unlatching ramp (45) adapted to the position and / or shape of the restraining part (13) on the handle side. The attachment component according to any one of claims 29 to 42.   When the constraining part (13) is in a release position from the drive train part (5), a latch profile for engaging the constraining part (13) of the toothbrush handle, preferably undercut radially. 44. The attachment part according to any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the connection part (7) has a pair of opposing latch protrusions (54).   44. Attachment part according to any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the connection part (7) has a dirt catch hole.   46. The dirt catch hole is formed in a mating surface that can engage the mating surface of the toothbrush handle neck (4), preferably in the form of a fluted elongated hole (42). Attachment part of description.   47. The connecting part (9) of the connecting part (7) has a connecting insert separate from the connecting part (7), for example a connecting ring or a connecting sleeve. Attachment parts.   47. The attachment part according to any one of claims 29 to 46, wherein the connecting part (9) is formed integrally with the connection part (7).   49. A toothbrush comprising the toothbrush handle according to any one of claims 1 to 28 and the attachment component according to any one of claims 29 to 48.

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